Economist, Healthcare Innovations

Company: American Institutes for Research
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

AIR is currently seeking a Health Economist to conduct policy-related research and evaluation studies focused on domestic health care programs, including topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health insurance programs; innovative delivery and payment models; rural hospitals; aging and long-term care; health plan performance and quality measurement; telehealth; and health information technology. The Economist will report to AIR's Healthcare Innovations Team, which supports high-quality implementation and produces rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of new approaches to care and payment—translating findings into actionable insights for policymakers, payers, providers, and patients. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations . This does not include U.S. territories. About AIR: Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Responsibilities: Develop conceptual frameworks that guide project work. Manage and analyze large-scale data files for research. Apply appropriate quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data. Organize and document analytic results and research procedures. Prepare technical reports and journal articles and present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public. Assist in developing and drafting new research proposals. Mentor research analysts, share approaches to solving concrete problems, and provide feedback on the work of others. Manage or lead projects or tasks. Serve as client contact for analytical or statistical expertise. Contribute to a collaborative environment that values and respects a wide range of perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, and Experience A Ph.D. in economics, public policy, or related social science field, with expertise in econometrics or applied statistics. Highly proficient in STATA, and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects. Proficient in R and Python is preferred, but not required. Knowledge or experience with the analysis of large-scale data, and the design of experiments and quasi-experiments. Prior quantitative research on healthcare topics using advanced methods such as fixed effects, regression discontinuity, or instrumental variables. Skills Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to work well independently, and collaborate as a member of the team, while prioritizing multiple objectives and projects to consistently meet established timelines. Excellent writing skills. Strong quantitative skills. Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements. American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000. Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams. LI-AS1 LI-REMOTE AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States. Anticipated Annual Salary Range $106,500 - $142,000 USD

Keywords: American Institutes for Research, Chicago , Economist, Healthcare Innovations, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois